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Faithful Followers

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Sorry for my little rant earlier today. I'm human and was having a bad day and had gotten one too many nasty comments this week. I felt the need to lash out instead of just snorting and deleting and moving on. Joe's been doing a few side jobs and hasn't been home in weeks. There's an unwritten rule, some of you may know about, that states: your children must act like deranged gibbons the last 2-3 weeks before school starts. Jackson's been off the diet the past few days because, well because it's really hard cooking everything from scratch every day and I let him have fast food the past 2 days and before that, we ate at my sil's for my niece's baptism and before that, it was Jackson's birthday party...

Anyway, it hasn't been a fun summer with Jackson off all meds and now that he's full of artificial junk, he's extra fun. And by fun, I mean, "I don't want to be in the same state room with him right now!" Of course I love him, but I really don't like him right now. The fact that Joe hasn't been around at all just ices the cake. I shouldn't whine because I did it by myself for many, many years when money was really tight and I've got it easy now. And there are single parents and military spouses who do it by themselves every day. It really makes me thankful that, at least usually, I have someone else around to help out.

So sorry to anonymous. I shouldn't have sunk to your level. Oh and thanks to the dozen or so people who wrote to tell me that I'm mean or I'm not a Christian because for once I stood up and wrote what I felt in response to the many nasty comments I get (and usually delete) each week. Because I'm human, I can't be Christian I guess. Apparently I've had it wrong all this time.

*****

Sooo, because I'm clearly insane, I took the kids to Sonic last night. It was the first day this store was open. And to make it an even more awesome experience, I left around dinner time and drove in rush hour traffic. It took us over an hour to get there. But it's Sonic, right? Worth it, right? So we get there and lo and behold, everyone this side of Chicago is in the Walmart parking lot next to the Sonic. About a dozen Sonic employees were out there directing traffic. I pulled up, opened my window and asked, "So this is the line to get to Sonic?"

"Yeah, there's about an hour - hour and a half wait right now."

"Yikes!" I turned to the kids who'd already been sitting in the car for over an hour and asked them, "Do you want to wait? There's a long line. Or would you rather go home?"

They all agreed that they wanted to wait. If we'd left at that point, we'd just be sitting in traffic for an hour to get home anyway.

So we crept through the parking lot inching along toward the new Sonic. We had fun watching the people in the other cars. There was a very pregnant woman in a car in front of us. She got out of the car and walked around to stretch her legs now and then. I was pretty sure she'd go into labor before she reached the restaurant. I could just imagine the conversation between her and her husband.

"I WANT a cherry limeade.""But honey, an hour wait!" whines her husband.But I WANT a cherry limeade!" she insists as she grabs the car door and shoots laser beams from her eyes at her husband.Afraid she'll actually rip the car door off its hinges, he says, "I'll buy you some limeade at the grocery store. I'll even add some cherries to it." He tries to appease her and find a way to get out of the line that stretches all the way to the end of the earth."You don't love me!" wails the preggo lady as she starts to cry."Of course I love you," hubby insists, resigning himself to the wait and secretly hoping she goes into labor right there in their Expedition so he can leave the line.

Entering the parking lot (or trying to anyway...)

beginning of the line that wound around the Walmart parking lot

I wish I'd gotten a picture of the Walmart employees who were standing outside on a break. I'm sure they were marveling at the stupidity of the whole lot of us.

Another line of cars just waiting to get in line

a car in front of us. The passenger grew completely crazed while waiting and cut off someone's head

The kids getting tired of waiting

the kids getting loopy from waiting (They were walking around with slushy samples while we waited. Savannah had just had a blue coconut one)

I'm so excited! After only 3+ hours, I'm getting to eat my dinner!

finally made it to the Sonic lot - the Walmart lot's still full with a long line waiting to get in

cars lining up for the limeadey goodness

look at all their yummy offerings

How many Sonic employees can you shove into a tiny restaurant?

The answer is 16

Slushy tower

I probably should've taken pictures of the food, but after an hour+ drive and TWO hours waiting in line, we inhaled that stuff so fast, it couldn't be captured on film. Here's one lonely tot.

Especially considering the insane amount of time we sat in our car last night, the kids were awesome. Had I known it was going to take that long, there is no way I would've gone! We won't be returning for a few weeks at least.

Oh and they got my order wrong and the guy taking my order didn't seem to have a clue about the menu, but considering the absolutely insane amount of traffic they were handling and the fact that it was their first day in business, they did pretty well. If I'd been working there, I would've gone home and sat there shaking and rocking and trying to unwind for a good 4 hours! Everyone was really friendly and a manager talked to me for a minute and said, "I know you've been waiting a really long time. Thank you. We hope you like everything!" That there negates any wrongness in my order.

133 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Hi Dawn, I cant believe I;m the first to comment!! I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now. Let me tell you, I have eight children and your blog makes me feel like a normal mom. You sound like you've got things under control and your not a bad mother or a bad christian for saying how you feel. One thing I know about having a large family is that people will always have something to say about it, mostly good, sometimes not so good. Believe me, I have heard it all and I don't always feel like I'm getting it right. Making mistakes is what makes us better mothers and your blog shows us it's better to stick together, offer encouragement and that we're all in this together whether we have one, two or 20 children.

Keep up the good work and even though I don't know what Sonic is, staying in line that long shows your determination to make your family happy:) Sounds like you made the best of it and you all had fun That's really what matters the most. I'm off my soap box. Hugs to you and your family!!

I thought the article (that evoked the negative responses) was an absolute hoot! Reminded me of two weeks ago when I was baby-sitting my grandkids, and they were absolutely going bonkers (while Mom & Dad were at the hospital having a third child). Someone badly needs a humor transplant.

Wow, I had no idea that Sonic was that big of a deal!! I mean, I love Sonic, but I don't think I'd wait in line for more than 10 minutes :) Of course, I grew up in Oklahoma, Land of Sonic, and went to college in Stillwater, OK, home of the ORIGINAL Sonic (isn't THAT impressive?). I am glad that here in IN there is a Sonic 1/2 a mile away from our house.

By the way, I think you are hilarious! Who cares about those grumps who write complaints. You may not do everything the way I do, but that doesn't bother me, you are WAY more funny than I am!!

I can imagine it was a Long wait...Sonic has been here in our area for YEARS and it is the longest wait of any fast food place ever (well maybe it ties with Arby's). The best deal is the 1/2 price drinks for "Happy Hour"! Did your "Car Hops" wear skates?? Ours did when it first opened, but that seemed to go out the window after about the first 6 months to a year. Glad you guys enjoyed yourself and GOOOO YOU for waiting in a car with 6 kids for 3 hours...once again proving your Super Mom powers to us all! I avoid Sonic on a regular day with 3 kids (4 if you count hubby who HATES to wait in line!) just because the wait is always sooo long and that means 20+ minutes for sure not 2 hours!!

Isn't it sweet to know that Christ led the perfect life, on our behalf, because we could not? I feel for anyone who thinks being a Christian is being perfect. Is seems that they don't truly understand the gospel.

Dawn, isn't that what we Christians preach to people all the time, that we are absolutely perfect at all times and our children never misbehave, especially in public? We would never say something like, "we're all sinners saved by grace," now would we? :)

Anyway, love the pics, and I have to say that your kids seem to be handling that long wait quite well. And thanks for sharing the story with us about the tantrums.

Keep them coming, and we'll help hold you up through all the nasty comments people feel they have to throw at you.

It really angers me that some one felt the need to write about your parenting skill and other comments about you not being Christian...First of all I read your blog, because you are not perfect. It makes me feel normal reading your blog. Besides, isn't part of being human, being imperfect? I thought Adam and Eve's punishment for eating off the forbidden tree was imperfection and mortality. I could be wrong...but I doubt it :P

You reminded me tonight of the Sonic limeade craving I had in the early labor of my first born 20 years ago. My advice to anyone who has this urge, is to resist - unless they don't mind leaking the extra 30+oz of fluid along with everything else in the next few hours. I think your parenting stories are wonderful. - You obviously teach your children to see the humor in difficult circumstances, which will carry them a long ways in life.

Wow ~~~ just think of all the gas you used up driving for an hour, then waiting in line for two!! Hope it was worth it!! I'm in SE Wisconsin & I don't believe we have any Sonics here, but I've heard nothing but AWESOME about the cherry limeades!!

Ok, I thinks its official...your crazy!!!!!! I bet you had a lot of fun waiting though, people watching is my husbands favorite sport. I can't believe you drove 1 hour, then waited 2 hours just to eat dinner. I manage a restaurant and am always amazed at the people who wait that long to eat there. I admit the food at our place is great, but I can't wait 2 hours for dinner (I guess thats why I am 20 lbs overweight!!!!).

Dawn, if I would have seen your blog post sooner yesterday, I would have warned you. When the first Sonic in Michigan opened in Southgate (that's in an area called "Downriver", between Detroit and Toledo) a few months ago, the waits were an hour and a half to two hours. But by the time I read your post, you were probably halfway into your monumental wait.

I have bad Mommy days and I only have 2 children. In fact, last night my 9 yr old daughter and I had a tear fest of our own... me apologizing for being an awful mom and her for being scared to talk to me. I am a Christian too.. thank goodness cuz I need HIS forgiveness daily. How we get through this mire called life with Jesus' help, I hope to never know. Without Him, I can do nothing!! Hang in there sister!

A 2 hour wait in line is truly insane...but people here in Utah are more insane...they camped...and I mean literally camped,tents and all, in the parking lot of the second freestanding Chick-Fil-A in our area the night before it opened. They were crazy I tell ya! CRAZY!

I don't know if I've ever commented here, but I love reading your blog. We just dropped our oldest off at college and the times with young bored and loud kids are behind us, but not forgotten! Sonic is a favorite of hubby and kids, so I could have stood there in line! I blog in Dutch and also get, of course always anonymously, comments, that I don't appreciate. I guess it's part of the job. Somehow, though, like with your anonymous comments, they do crawl under my skin. Wish I could just shake them off and know it's a sad person writing them without identifying themselves.

Dawn, you are not a bad person or any less of a christian for expressing your feelings toward a rude idiot! That's just ridiculous and to the people who actually said that to Dawn...this is HER blog and she is free to say whatever she wants! If ya don't like it, don't read it, move on.

But Dawn, I do have to say you are CRAZY! Driving an hour to Sonic and waiting 2 hours! Yes, you are crazy, LOL! And I mean that in a good way ;) So did you try the Cherry Lime-ade? Or a Reese's peanut butter cup Sonic blast? Those are my fave's =)

This post made me laugh. Why? Like me, you seem to ALWAYS have your camera nearby. Even in the car in line at Sonic. I guess the camera helps in giving some sort of proof of the faults/errors/nastiness of those gibbons.

wow i love sonic we have one about 2 blocks from my house and i am there everyday between 2 and 4 for the happy hour where all the fountain drinks and slushes are 1/2 price. which is great b/c even though i only have my 2 girls sometimes i have my sisters 4 kiddos also and we can all go to sonic and get drinks for no more than 5.60 the kids love the slushes and my favorite is the sweet tea ---sasha

Dawn, anyone who's judging you ISN'T a Christian. People seem to think because you are one that you have to be perfect and can't mess up or have a 'normal' off day sometimes...let it go and let God. Honestly. Did their Momma never teach them that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all? lol

And, on that Sonic line. We had our Sonic open up about 2 months ago. We, too, sat in that 2 hour waiting line as my kids wanted it that bad too. What the heck...haha Oh, and after 3 days of that, they closed the Sonic for an entire week to better prepare for the influx of patrons. We were really cracking up on that one.

SCREW EM! Life is too short to worry about haters - especially ones who don't even have the balls to use their name. You must be doing something right if your kids can wait in a car for 3 hours for dinner without going savage, lol!Just found this blog, & I'll be back again. :)

The fact that you are still sane amazes me. I have 2 little ones and the thought of waiting in ANY line, let alone a line that confines us in a small space together, for more than 5 minutes makes me shudder. Your children are very lucky to have such a considerate mother.

I think those other commenters got confused...you can't be human and be CHRIST. Well, He could. You can't. You'll have to get in line with all the other saints of the Bible...you know, the murderers, prostitutes, liars, spies, adulterers, rat finks, and spineless ninnies (aka David, Moses, Rahab, Mary, Peter, Gideon, etc.) Oh, and the mothers who didn't punish their kids enough. :)

Oh, Dawn, don't let the meanies get to you. They're just a bunch of miserable you know what's! You are an awesome mother, wife, Christian, etc. You are an inspiration to so many people. I was having a fit with my one and only daughter today at the store and I thought of you. How can I complain when you have 6 kids to deal with?! Keep up the great work! We're counting on you! It's nice to know we're not the only ones running around in hopes of finding our long lost sanity.

1) You so needed to come to my adults only bloggy dinner party on Monday! It sounds like you needed a night out ;)

2) I was REALLY jealous that I missed the opening of Sonic (Algonquin?) while I was in Vegas -- I didn't even see any ads saying it WAS opening! But after reading and seeing the pictures detailing your experience, I'm ok with having missed it! I'll go in a couple weeks. But I did very excitedly announce to my husband that Sonic was finally open :) Being from Southern Illinois, he doesn't get the newness of this for me.

Oh my, now you're not a Christian! Oh darn! :o) I don't think being human changes that. I got the Mother of the Year Award today and used the 'f' word because I was mad. Believe it or not, I do not swear and my middle son started crying. Yep, I must not be a Christian now. Point being: WE ARE HUMANS AND WE MESS UP! Dawn, I still applaud you for all you do. I have learned so much from you as a person and your integrity far outweighs mine. You go girl!

Holy hell, woman! That's insane. I've never seen a lineup like that before. What is this Sonic you speak of? It looks like regular fast food. You couldn't pay me to wait in line at McDonalds for more than about 3 minutes. That must be some pretty awesome cherry limeade...

This blog brightens my day, everyday. But it sounds like I have been missing out on a few things. Thankfully, I missed reading the mean comments you received. I'm so sorry you got them. Just remember "like water off of a duck's back," let them roll on over.

And secondly, apparently I have committed a faux pas. I have never been to Sonic!! I just didn't know! Worse yet, there is one within walking distance of my house! Thanks again for the great blog and the heads up for we who have not yet known Sonic. That picture of Brooklyn excited for her food was priceless!

Dawn, please don't let those negative people get to you. There are always those in the crowd who don't have anything nice to say.

I know exactly what you mean, when you say that J can be hard to be around when he's off his meds and loaded up on junk. We recently found my older ds is allergic to a ton of foods, and suddenly, it's very hard to feed him. He's allergic to wheat, corn, milk, eggs, peanuts, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, grapes, and oranges. Can you think of a meal that doesn't have any of those things, and is something a 4 year old will eat? He can have hot dogs, but only Hebrew National, because those are the only ones who don't have corn syrup. He's been living off hot dogs and rice chex. Doesn't that sound yummy?

Have you ever heard of Yummy Earth candy? They don't have anything artificial in them, and I think they are even Feingold approved. (I think "level 2"? ) It is very difficult to find candy that doesn't have corn in it, so I was thrilled to find these lollipops. Check them out at www.yummyearth.com

Have you ever considered testing Jackson for allergies? One big reason I had my son tested for allergies was his behavior. Allergies can have a big affect on behavior. But a lot of Dr's won't agree to that. I learned a lot from a book called Is This Your Child? by Dr Doris Rapp. I know, the last thing you need is something else to read. If you want "the short version" check out her videos on YouTube.

I mostly just wanted to offer hugs. We all have those days, and you are not alone.

Soooo, what they're saying is that all these months that we've seen you post scripture, praise th Lord, volunteer at VBS, and raise God Fearing, healthy, normal, happy children, who risk their lives for one another - that really you're not Christian for rebuking hate. Mmmmkay.

Cast not the first stone people!!!

Keep your chin up Dawn. You've got a lot of love and respect out here in the blogosphere, and in the motherhood, lol. Keep it coming!

My brother had ADHD in the late fifties. You can imagine what our family life was like, no meds, no education of what not to do or eat, just day after day of trying to live life as best you could. How my mother raised us and kept a home and her sanity I do not know. I now have a son with ADHD and I have meds, education and support, and when my son has a bad day I know why. But it’s still not easy. I think you are doing one fine job. Leaving a shop when your kids are having difficulty is the best way to handle the situation, for it shows them that if they act out they cannot stay. And on top of that you left the place with people laughing.Keep up the good work. And thanks for sharing your life with us.Susie

We don't have a Sonic here. I keep seeing these commercials on tv and people talk abott it all the time. I want a cheery limeade too. But, we Do have Red Robin, and you can bet your bottom dollar that it'll look as crammed with people as that Sonic was with employees when it opens here. Seems we're getting a taste of civilization in these hick parts with a Target and the stores that move in with it and the Red Robin.

Hi Dawn, I love your blog! I'm sorry for all the stupid negative comments you got.

I do want to gently suggest that your comment about the passenger taking someone's head off out of boredome is maybe not really appropriate, given the recent events on the Greyhound bus - I'm sure someone with your sense of humour can come up with another clever comment on that picture!

Dear Dear Dawn: I must admit that when I read the description of horrible KID behavior, I sorta-kinda wondered WHY you did NOT exercise the "Power of the MOP Handle" Then I remembered! Nowadays, ALL KIDS have DCF on speed-dial! Over the course of the past few months, you have become the BABY SISTER my parents were never able to provide. Your column is a "MUST READ". I would venture a guess that the thousands of people who read you daily..and cheer you on when your going gets tough, also think of you as extended "FAMILY".I urge you to return to the days when NASTY COMMENTS were dismissed with a flick of the DELETE KEY. You are just such a lovely person,and extraordinarily talented. You might also remind those who choose to leave disparaging remarks, that they paid NOTHING for the privilege of enjoying your humour. Thank You for all that you do!

Hi Dawn! I think you're amazing! If people don't have anything nice to say...well you know the rest. If they don't like your blog, why don't they just move on instead of being rude?!? Anyway, I just wanted to say you're awesome and to keep up the good work! God Bless you, your blog, and your family!!!

WOW...THAT is a long line!!!Be careful though....you are telling off those who piss you off....waiting 3 hours for Sonic...sounds like you just might be secretly a Southern gal. LMAOWe take NO crap and Sonic is a must-have!!

Listen Dawn, there was nothing in your earlier post that would suggest to me that you're not a Christian. BUT waiting an hour in line just to eat at Sonic!?! Well, that just ain't write. Now I worry about some kind of demonic possession. I'll have to go and pray for you.

I know you've probably heard this a few thousand times already, but people who post mean, critical comments are really the most miserable people in the world. They have to find fault with everyone else to try and deflect the attention from their own inadequacies, and so that they can spread their misery around. Just pray for them, and remember, God knows you are His child and nothing anyone says can change that : ) "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets."I could keep typing the entire 6th chapter of Luke to encourage you; you bring me such encouragement! Bless you! And thank you for your blog!

That cherry limeade conversation sounds a lot like conversations with my DH when I was about 5 weeks pregnant. The only thing I have really craved during this pregnancy is Sonic limeades. Happily, I have never had to wait for a spot!! That said...I really don't like their food at all. It's sad.

I don't think you did a bad thing by ranting to "Anonymous." I think it's an indication of how far people's standards have fallen that YOU got taken to task because someone made a rude and presumptive comment on your blog behind the iron veil of anonymity.

Personally, I think that people who leave rude comments without any contact info should have their internets taken away for 24-48 hours or until they learn to act like they're responsible enough to use it properly.

Sonic is so worth the wait. I'm from Texas so the newness and excitement isn't there, but I'm so happy you have one near you now. How wonderful that your kids behaved in the car and got a wonderful treat for all their patience. I hope that lone tot wasn't lone for long and someone got to enjoy its greasy, salty, crunchy outside, smooshy inside flavor. Mmm, now I want some tots.

lol- that is crazy! I can't believe people get that excited about Sonic! Don't get me wrong, I love them too- hit up happy hour every time my kids are awake during that time frame ;) I just don't have the patience to wait that long for food.

As to the other thing, my biggest pet peeve is people who think they know how to raise my kids better than I do. But what really bugs me is someone telling you you're not a Christian. How on earth was your post so bad that it takes away your Christianity??? That's a low blow.

Big hugs to you Dawn and I do appreciate your blog and making me feel semi-normal for the brief time I am reading. Keep up the great work!

Due to lack of time, I'm not reading all the comments so if I repeat what others have written, I'm sorry.

I didn't see the "anonymous" post until just now. Your response to her was perfect and it's obvious to me that she never had a child with control issues. My grandson, who's nearly 5 now, had what they called "meltdowns" on a somewhat regular basis. As he got older and was able to better express himself verbally, they became fewer and less destructive. The best way to deal with it was to hold him tightly, facing away from you, arms locked down and speaking quietly. My daughter told me of an incident that started over something similar to the candy one for you, only they were in CVS. When he went into meltdown mode, she had to take him out of the store and hold him for 45 minutes, sitting on the curb and then leave the car and walk 15 minutes to a friend's house. When he got there, her husband took him upstairs to the other kids where he forgot about being mad and calmed down. He's MUCH better now and can understand and express himself SO much better. Having a child with meltdowns has to be one of the most difficult parts of parenting, and those of us who never had to experience it first hand, really don't understand how difficult it can be for a caring parent. Anonymous, judge not...

And Sonic? Here in PA we don't have them but I hear awesome things about it. Maybe one day...

Honestly I don't know what it is about hardcore Christians that think good Christians shouldn't stand up for themselves, shouldn't save for retirement (because Jesus didn't have a 401k plan), shouldn't worry about the future or our kids' futures because God will provide to the faithful ... and on and on. Between them and the people that loathe children and feel that children shouldn't be allowed in public until they're at least 35 it sometimes makes me feel like I'm fighting an uphill battle helping to raise the next generation of human beings.

I do enjoy reading your blog because a) I know that it isn't literal and sarcasm is my favorite brand of humor and b) it does make me feel better about when my kids act like they were raised by demented chimpanzees.

Perhaps some of your "fans" could learn to embrace the saying "judge not lest ye be judged..."

They had the same sort of hoop-la when they FINALLY opened a Krispy Kreme in our area - police directed traffic for weeks, people slept outside to get a "free year of donuts" for days before the place opened...6 months later, they were closed and the Krispy Kreme turned into yet another Starbucks....gotta' love NY! LOL

We are getting our first Sonic in Perrsyburg, OH within the next month. I have eaten at one in Indy, but never knew the "Crazy" that was about to happen when ours opens. Thanks for the warning.

Oh--and as to the "hater"--forget it, I love your blog and I seriously doubt her kids are "perfect"--but, she sounds like one of those people who "rule by fear" so the kids don't dare step out of line in public--because she'll beat them in the privacy of her home. You know--with the "Christian" mentality of "Spare the rod, spoil the child"--I was raised like that and vowed to NEVER be like that to my kid.

That wait at Sonic was insane! I don't blame you for blasting 'anonymous'. I beieve you are human AND Christian. Your kids are also human, even if they dont' act like it sometimes. All kids act up, it show you handle it that matters. I don't always tell when I punish Nicole for doing something she shouldn't have, as well u dont share that about your kids. I think you do a wonderful job! Keep it up!Will return tomorrow!

Wow! I can't believe you managed to keep the kids INSIDE the car the WHOLE time! Mine would have wanted to play chinese fire drill every 2 car lengths. Where I live there are more Sonics than McDonalds so we get sick of eating there sometimes, but never of happy hour. The cherry limeades are good, but I'm a big fan of strawberry limeades or adding strawberries to Dr. Pepper (my favorite form of caffeine) Ignore the nasty comments, they apparently don't have enough kids or they wouldn't have the time to come up with mean and manipulative posts.

Thank you. Thank you for being YOU! Thank you for helping all the rest of us. Thank you for still posting on your blog even after all the nasty, negative comments. Thank you for helping all of us know that we are not alone. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Thank you.

I can understand completely about the kids acting crazy when Dad is gone. My husband is deployed right now and it is hitting my 5 year old just now. He has been absolutly horrible lately. I love him, but oh boy I don't like him right now. And it is so hard to get a 5 year old to tell you what is really bothering him deep down and why oh God why are you acting this way? But hey, school starts soon and then you get to deal with homework, and teachers, and other little brats who push your kid on the playground. I love reading your blog. You impress me that you can right every day. I'm good if I post weekly. So thanks, and keep it up.

DIET FATIGUE~! Yes, it's really hard having diet restrictions 24/7. I've had a severe diet to heal food allergies the last almost 6 months and I had a Sonic cherry coke at the mall yesterday....sometime you just gotta~! hehe.

I only have the male half of what you have, and I gotta say, I'm soooooo ready for them to go to school on Monday even though that means no more sleepin' in, LOL

My husband always gets the Cranberry slush because he likes the brain freeze but my favorite is the Chocolate Cream pie/Banana Pie shake mixed together... yum! I love Sonic and I love that they combine their flavors together for you.

As far as defending yourself to the person who left the mean, judgmental comment, I don't see a thing wrong with that. You simply set a few things straight and maybe others will think twice before they pass judgment. It's just too bad they can't see your blog for what it is instead of thinking they need to tell you you're doing a bad job. I grew up with 8 brothers and sisters and very strict parents. We still misbehaved, and rebelled. I think, in my opinion, you're doing a wonderful job. I have 4 of my own and it ain't easy. Don't let the ignorant judgers get ya down.

I suppose I shouldn't tell you we have two Sonics in two directions within a mile of us. Good thing though because one is always screwing up the order and one is always on their game!

What I miss is Arby's, I think we have ONE left in town and of course it's nowhere near me..boo Arby's!

Sorry to hear you are no longer Christian, glad someone decided that FOR YOU! lol. That's ok I can't be Christian because my family does not attend church...our lovely neighbors children (heard it from mom Im sure) told our daughter that one day!

So cheers to you, you non-Christian, Sonic obsessed bad mother, keep up the good work ;)

Wow, people out there must really love Sonic. We got a Sonic in our little neighborhood and people complained!! I like the ice cream and slushies myself! Congrats to making it in line that long with the kids! I think I would have a head full of white hair if I did that with mine. :)

oh dawn. i love you. you are one of the few people these days that can stand up for yourself. getting slammed by someone that doesn't even now you is awful- especially for parenting. i had a VERY similar experience a few weeks ago, and i'm still recovering. you are a strong christian woman, who is honest with herself and others. i hope to have your patience and integrity with my children too. thank you for sharing your life with us.

oh my gosh, this post made me laugh! I just can't imagine waiting in line so long for fast food, but what the heck, it's the end of the summer and the new Sonic is the hottest thing in town! The part about the walmart employees watching made me laugh-I used to work at a walmart and would marvel at the people who would camp out for days next door at Best Buy when the latest video whatever was coming out. Hope you enjoyed your dinner!

After reading this post... I just HAD to find out where a Sonic is near me... closest one is 40 miles away... in another state! I really think there is a road trip coming sometime SOON lol. I am so sorry someone felt the need to write you such negative comments. You are an awesome parent!!! I truely believe some of those that leave comments like that... are either not a parent... or they are the type of parent who feels their child can do no wrong.. must be living in another world is all I can say.

I feel out of the loop here, I'm in central NJ and have no Sonic's, but the limeade's sound delic.

I'm a mother of 3 boys and have crazy days and your blog and pictures help me keep it all in perspective and to see the humor in it all. I now have taken my camera out and taken pictures of my crazy ones. The latest; my 4 year old climbing the door frame to the top! Thank You Dawn for keeping me sane.

Sonic is worth the wait, just on the merit of their drinks alone. My personal, decadent favorite: strawberry chocolate coke. My coworkers all think I'm insane.

And you? Not a good Christian? Oh, come on. You can only turn the other cheek so many times. And if rude people aren't put in their place every once in a while, they'll just go on being rude to everyone.

I live in Canada and have never heard of Sonic. What is it and why is it so special? I used to live in Edmonton, Alberta and they opened a Chuck E. Cheese there several years ago. We had quite a wait getting in...not as bad as your drive-through wait (INSANE is what that was!) and the din was overwhelming. The kids loved it though.

First of all, thank you for reminding us that we still have people to pity on this earth. Apparently "anonymous" has had a very blessed life, they were a perfect child and their children are perfect, so they feel the need to impart their wisdom on others. The pity part comes in when they finally realize they have no friends because they are "too good" for everyone.

There have been times where I've done exactly what you did with my only child (I was a single Mom for 13 years, never could handle more than 1! lol). But when we got home, he knew he was in for it. Discipline is not and cannot always be done in a store, because you need their full attention. But, of course, "anonymous's" children are alway 100% focused on them. (Lots of tongue in cheek today...sorry!)

I don't have a Sonic within 2 hours, but I really want to try one!! I'm glad it was worth the wait for your family, and I'm glad they hadn't eaten the upholstery before the meal was served!! :-)

Hi Dawn, Im a longtime reader first time commenter (is that even a word)! Anyway, I just wanted to stop and say how much I enjoy your blog and respect your writing. I have 2 kids. Sometimes when Im out and they start acting up I have to remind my self that they are just children (1 and 4) who are still learning what is socially acceptable or not okay to do in public, like pick your nose in front of the check out lady and show it to her:-) But others never quite learn what is okay to do with strangers, like anonymous jerk. Im sure Iv had my moments of judging someone who I don't know, but I would never leave such a rude comment on some one's personal blog. I think jerk face must think that just because its the internet it makes it okay. Of coarse they didn't leave their name, so that means they are a coward anyway.Well I don't want to leave a novel as my first comment to you. I just love your blog and you did inspire me to start my own blog, Thanks!Oh and I love sonic! Of coarse I live in Texas where there is at least one Sonic in every town. But I originally lived in the NW where there are no Sonics, so when I first moved to Texas I was obsessed:-)I love their onion rings.

Oh I would wait for 2 hours if a Sonic would actually make it to the Netherlands! I lived in Stillwater, OK for a year (never knew it was the actual home of Sonic!) and that is definitely the fastfood place I miss the most. If I think about it, I can almost TASTE that bacon cheeseburger, hmmm... Whenever we visit Stillwater we always rush over there as soon as we can!

A Sonic is set to open near me in a few weeks - I guess I'll wait for my Cherry Limeade. I happened to be near one a couple of weeks ago that has been open for several months & we waited about 15 minutes. The food was good! But I don't know how the servers are going to feel about delivering meals to cars in a Minnesota winter...Also I kind of wish they'd left a tray on the car window like drive-in restaurants (A&W) used to - it wasn't much fun trying to balance a burger & onion rings on my lap...Keep up the good work & delete those crummy comments!!!Chris P - MN(anonymous because I can't set up a google account on my work computer - shhh!)

honey,I SOOO would have done what you did!! I love going to be part of the festivities on opening day! I probably would have sent my older kids into WalMart for goodies while we waited!!This is something only I would do tho, my hub would rather stab himself in the eyes

Hi Dawn! I very seldom leave comments...but enjoy your blog almost daily. I have even sent my daughter to your blog - and she is now a faithful reader...she is a single Mom with 3 girls 6,4 & 2, so she laughs right along with all of your "adventures" and feels great knowing that yes , this is how life is. Anyway do not feel bad for the rant, I don't know why folks feel the need to be so hateful (think it is the same reasons monkeys at the zoo sling poo?!?) Whatever the reason you were justified in feeling anger & hurt and responding - because we are just human after all...doing our best not to sling poo at each other when we don’t really know poo about the facts. Have a great day! Oh and the sonic line - wow I love tater tots but not that much!!! Oh my name is Becky but I can't figure out how to get that to show when I preview it shows me as anonymous?? However I am the non slinging type

Blowing up at someone for being rude doesn't equal a bad christian. I sat in a christian school for 5 years (not being christian was awkward, but I was there for a good private school education) and I saw a lot worse christians (like the principal's granddaughters getting pregnant before 16). I think you're okay.

By the way, strawberry limeades=best thing on earth. I get them after a bad day at work.

So what is the big deal with Sonic? I've seen them but never stopped because once you've eaten at one fast food place aren't the rest the same?

As for the nasty comments, ignore them. People like the whiner (I'm being polite) who claim to be Christians should spend more time contemplating what faith, hope, and charity means in daily life, i.e. offer encouragement instead of judgement! God gave us Jesus because we are not perfect and are all sinners. If we try to live up to His ideals and believe in the redemption Jesus bought for us with His life then you are truly Christian. My dad has been a minster for 50+ years and I have seen all kinds of "Christians". I bet the one who wrote the nasty comments falls into the "if I proclaim my devoutness loud enough then I can live how ever I want" category. Judge not lest you too be judged!

Okay, so was it worth the wait? I can't imagine waiting that long for fast food.. DANG!!

There are 3 Sonic's on my 15 minute drive to work. Definitely a dime a dozen here in TX. You really should move here. Cheaper houses, great paying jobs, Mimi, No snow, and of course a Sonic on every street corner. ;o)

Thanks for being so honest and real! I like authenticity in the bloggers I read. Goody two shoes don't need Jesus, it's us real people who need him. If we're perfect, why do we need a savior? As for me, I'm a work in progress, and I'm thankful that there's women like you who are brave enough to let us all know that you're battling along side us. Blessings to you and your family.

Hi DawnAs usual your blog today is amazing and a real insight into life on planet earth.I have to wonder just what the offspring of verbal abuse will be like sometime in the future. Probably the most jeuvenile delinquents that ever were from being supressed from their real identities in the home environment

You owe absolutely no one an apology, least of all the jerk who left you that message. I would have unloaded even worse, were I in your place.

I remember when the first Krispy Kreme hit Rochester... same deal, line all around the building, out the door, through a huge corral in the parking lot (that they were nice enough to stick under a portable pavillion for the crazy people, in case of rain.) It went on for a week like that. A week. I waited 3 before even attempting it, and the line was still out the door. Good donuts, but yeeesh.

Hey, Dawn -greetings from Fort Worth TX! I can't imagine being so pumped up about going to Sonic that I'd wait 2+ hours...in line...in a car...WITH 6 KIDS!!--we have them here all over the place! My daughter even worked there...for about a minute...the smell in her hair, skin and clothing when she got off work was more than she could handle. And she was NEVER that busy!

Also, kudos and an extra limeade to you for actually going the extra mile for your kids. That was really special :o) I'm sure they will always have fond memories of the Sonic Drive-In when it first came to town...

ROFL! You are a terrible, non-christian, sonic worshiping Mom. Come join us in a rousing rendition of Kumbaya! Bad Mommies unite! I have an idea...let's start our own group. I'll go first, k? Hi, my name is Tiffany, I'm a bad Mom. Last night my kid watched SpongeBob and ate mac & cheese in his underwear while I blogged. Whew, I feel better already! Thanks Dawn, you rock!

Way to Go Dawn!! Open up a can of Whoop A** on them. Punks deserve it. It must be open up a can of whoop A** week because I opened one upon my boss yesterday and and she stayed OUT of my way today. LOL

Paulathompson@sptent.com

Check out my blog be clicking my blogger id.(send Mr. I ain't leaving my name there and he can be the subject of a blog)

Kudos to you for standing up for yourself. You shouldn't have to appologize for it.

As a reader, I don't want to hear about the punishment. I'm sure you dole it out as you see fit, but I want the funny stuff! I want the tantrums, the pranks, the messes. That's funny and entertaining to read. I don't want to read about punishments for their bad deeds. That's not fun and entertaining...lol.

Apparently, the person who wrote that scathing comment hasn't read your blog to completion. If she had, she would know that you are doing something right. Remember the 'lending money to a friend' incident? A selfish, snot nosed brat wouldn't have helped her friend out. She also wouldn't have offered to donate the money made from the clothing items to a charity. You have good kids, Dawn. They may have their moments, but what kid doesn't? Also, have you ever disciplined your child in public? You get the most hateful looks and sometimes the nastiest comments. Removing them from the situation is sometimes the best option.

Don't listen to the haters. Usually the ones that are the first to criticize are the ones who are guilty themselves.

Dawn - you're a nut! I'm glad my son doesn't like to wait too long for food, even if it's his favorite restaurant.

As for anonymous - Good for you! You know she/he would be the first person to comment if you said you reprimanded your kids in public. Someone else hit the nail on the head - Being Christian does not mean being perfect. It means excepting our limitations and faults, and praying to God to give us the strength to change the things we can. Remember the Serenity Prayer. . . I say it every time my kids act up in public. Show me a kid that never, ever melts down in public and I'll show you a stepford kid.

Dawn,I just got back from a week of camping and it looks like I missed some drama here on your blog! Your post about the attempted haircutting adventure sounds exactly like a day in my life! I can handle one misbehaving child but when they all act up at the same time I want to scream! On a side note, I'm so sorry your son can't take any ADHD medicine. The hour I have to wait in the morning for my son's medicine to kick in is awful. I'm sure having to deal with it all day is driving you insane! It is so nice to read your blog and know that I am not the only mom with these problems. Thanks, Dawn!

Dawn, I think you're fabulous, and I'm constantly amazed at how thoughtful and considerate your kids are. I won't even attempt taking my 2 young kids to the zoo alone, and you took 5 or 6 all by yourself, without losing or killing any of them! You're a wonderful mom, and don't let anyone tell you different!!

Maybe that pregnant woman reads your blog... because I am pregnant and you have sent us on many food runs lately. After reading your blog post about SOnic opening, I made my husband drive us to the closest Sonic 45 minutes away. After your Taco Bell post, we had to get that too. Mind you, the problem with all that is that I have hyperemesis and it all comes up. (I know, you don't do vomit.)I was wondering did you ever deal with that in any of your pregnancies? NOt just your average morning sickness, but hyperemesis. This is only my second pregnancy, but after being so sick (losing over 25 pounds and being hospitalized for a week, etc), I have a hard time envisioning going through it again or makign my family go through it. Bless my husband.

Dawn,As a Pastor of a very conservative, Bible-believing Church, I took interest in our comment that you have been getting comments that you are not a Christian because of your "rant" against the rude reader. Let me assure you, Christians are not perfect in behavior, they are seen as perfect by their heavenly Father because of their Savior, Jesus the Christ. Lord knows how many times I have to rely on His forgiveness for my own failings each day. Be at peace, your "rant" is not a measure of your faith. Wishing you every blessing in Christ! Rev. Chambers

OK first of all I have never been to Sonic or even heard of them before now - I am from the UK just in case you havent guessed it!

But will definitely look for one on my next trip to the US - do they have these in Florida by any chance?

As to the nasty comments - yes kids can be awful at times and we each have to deal with it in our own way. And as for the Christian comments - well I am a Christian but that doesnt make immune to losing my rag from time to time either! And you dont have to let nasty people walked all over you too - something we discussed when I did a course on Christian ethics.

I am sure your kids will turn out just fine - my son did despite the early years tantrums and is now an Ordained Minister in the C of E.

I just recently started reading your blog, and I love it. I am a SAHM and military wife with 5 kids. Your blog makes me laugh and quite often nod my head in total understanding of what life with kids can be like.

As for the wait in the Sonic line, you are a better woman than me. No way would I have done that with a car full of kids. Maybe if they opened a White Castle in Oklahoma, but not a Sonic. LOL.

Just want to tell you that I love your blog. I lost my precious son 4 weeks ago and this really helps to cheer me up. Hug your kids every day. I used to have 7 and now 6 kids seems to me like such a small family. Amazing how one more makes such a difference.

I'm just now catching up on your blog and I loved your post about getting the hair cuts. I'm a mom of three, just like "anonymous" and I think you're doing an amazing job parenting TWICE the amount of children that I have!

Just know that the more hate mail you get, the more popular and influential you are. You're an inspiration to other moms. For all the chaos that you post about, I read just as many posts from you about how amazing your kids are and what GOOD CHARACTER they have. That's the most important thing of all.

You're doing a great job. Just feel sorry for all the "anonymous" commenters out there that have such a long personal growth journey ahead of them.

Just catching up on the last bazillion posts. (The kids are back in school finally). Thanks for all the laughs and for putting up with all those comments by people who just don't get it. Here's from one who gets it, you are great just the way you are and so are your kids! I feel sorry for those who have no idea what it's like to live in a house of live wires. Thanks for living in one of my parallel universes. And the cake? Awesome. As for the no meds issue, have you ever tried different sensory input to see if it helps him? Things like weighted blankets are finding a place in our house. They can help calm and focus.

OMGosh! I have NO clue what a Sonic is, but I assume it must be good (????) That was an impressive line! YIKES!

About thoe comments... we all have our days, believe me, and you din't sink to any level by saying it bothered you. Geez! I assume you get quite a few "not-so-nice" comments with the number of comments you get per post. I on't know how you take it! I think i have had3, maybe 4, mean comments ever and it made me cry :((ok, maybe not really, but I was seriously hurt by it)Anyway, my point, yes, i had a point, it is to say, you ARE human. It is going to hurt when people say mean things, even if they don't know you and you have a a right to say so.(((HUGS)))Debi

People actually wrote about how you can't be Christian because you blew off a little steam at some ignorant boob? Ridiculous! I love your blog, it brightens my day to know that you go through the same frustrations I do as a stay-at-home mom. If your kids were always perfect you wouldn't have nearly the same amount of funny material to write. So "BOOOOooooo" to the lady with the perfect parenting skills and the perfect kids, I'm sure she is a legend in her own mind.

Even Jesus lost it once in a while. Remember Him turning over tables in the temple? God the Father has a few angry moments in the Bible too. Thank you for sharing your humanness (is that a word?) with us.

Three of my 5 were off to school this morning. Boy was it quiet. Too quiet. Missed 'em like crazy. Even if they did act like "derranged gibbons" for the past 2 weeks. (Love that!) Like I said earlier in the week, they do it on purpose so we don't miss them so much.

Finally, please help me understand the Sonic obsession. Menu looks like the typical fast food joint. What motivates a mom and 6 kids to wait that long? And how did you sit in the car without anyone having to go potty?

Hey, Dawn. So, there were about 35 billion comments, and I did not read them all. Anyway, this may or may not be an original thought, but here's what I think you should do: Don't delete the comments from idiots. Just post them, and let everyone who loves you take care of them :D This way, you don't have to sink anywhere, and and we get to take out some stress and anger, by informing the idiots that they are idiots.

We love you, Dawn. Sorry the idiots are around, too. I don't know what posesses people to condem others. "Judge not lest you are judged also...." /shrug Anyway, keep your chin up and keep posting. You make us all feel like we are not all alone out here. Blessings to you.

Dawn - you are insane if you survived that wait! Me - I would have turned around. Ok - maybe you aren't insane but boy are you brave!!! But I guess we knew that. Hey - I love reading your blog and think you are an awesome mom. I think Anonymous is delusional. I only have one child yet I still have days like you described in the haircut post. (We are looking in to the Feingold diet for this little hurricane we call our son thanks to what we have read here) Personally I find it hard to believe that any mom with happy healthy children doesnt have this kind of day. So I was pretty pleased to see you speak your mind. In the time I have been reading your blog (since the Pokemon days) you have put your life on display and been subject to scrutiny and judgement. I can understand you finally saying "hey enough". So good for you! Keep it all coming because you help me keep my sanity (seriously - to put it in perspective my instructions to my son when he left to go camping with his grandparents - because I am not as insane as they are - were no hitting kicking biting screaming blowing anything up or burning anything down - yeah thats my child - so you can see why I love reading about how you handle things)

I CANNOT believe people told you that you were mean and not Christian for sticking up for yourself. Good God. That's pathetic. You want me to kick their butts??

Hugs to you, I think you're amazing. We all lose it a little sometimes, no matter who or what we are. I'd love to see those people raise 7 kids and put their life out there for the world to see. Guarantee they would lose their temper now and then, too.

Funny, we live in the subdivision right behind there & we've been watching the insane lines of cars since the opening! Thanks for the experience in pictures, it'll be a LONG time before we attempt going there! They had helicopters flying around it all morning reporting on the traffic & it has been like that from 10am to 11pm since that first day! You are my hero, I'd have bailed long before 2 hours! Michele

I'm a few days behind in reading (sorry...), but I wanted to say that I am in your corner, too. Most of us appreciate that you share your world with us. You do not have to share every detail of your life, and the fact that you do not share how you discipline does not imply that you do not correct your children.

You do not owe us anything. You invite us into your world, and no one is forced to come in. Few people would go into a person's home and say what anonymous said to you. The fact that you are on the web does not make it okay to toss manners out the window.

Good for you for sticking up for yourself and speaking your mind. It would have been okay to defend yourself in your living room, too, if an individual were insulting you there, and the blog is part of your house. We are merely guests and must behave as such. If we don't like what you have to say, we can leave. There are a few other sites available on the web for us to explore.

Thanks for doing what you do! Be encouraged!

Bev in Lexington(Mom to five incredibly wonderful children who do not always behave the way they have been taught...particularly when others are watching.)

Ah, Sonic - this is why I'm waiting a month or so until the novelty wears off to go there - but living in Aurora just a few miles from the new Sonic, it is HARD TO RESIST THE CHEESY TOTS AND CHERRY LIMEADE...SO HARD TO RESIST... *drool* Thankfully, I come from the South, so I already am well aware of the Sonicy goodness that lies within. Now if only we could get a Jack-in-the-Box.